NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Michel Euler/Associated Press
IN FOCUS
By Padmashree Anandhan
France: Return of violence, this time over a police shooting
On 27 June, France 24 reported on the shooting of a 17-year-old Nahel in Nanterre. The initial police reports accused the teen; however, later the video released on social media showed the police pointing the weapon at the teen. Since the death of Nahel and video, there were spontaneous protests across France leading to violent clashes against the police and government.
On 28 June, France’s President Emmanuel Macron called the violence as “unjustifiable.” On 29 June, as the violence furthered, interior minister ordered for the deployment of 40,000 police officers and imposed curfew in the northern suburb of Nanterre, where the outbreak of protests is uncontrollable.
Mapping the protest
The protests began in the form of a “White March” in the northern suburb of Nanterre, where Nahel belong. Tensions started when the protestors used projectiles on police and the protest spread to other cities of France. This led to firing tear gas against 6,200 people.
Majority of clashes are in north, central and southwest of Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Pau, Toulouse and Lille. The protestors included a majority of youth, people from working class, African descent, French black and Muslims protesting for “justice for Nahel.” The protesters largely point to the issues of racial discrimination, and growing police misconduct, which are not new for France.
Previous riots and debates
Debate over “race, power, identity,” and police brutality has existed since 2005 when two teens were killed in similar police run. This resulted in riots across France against racial discrimination. An investigation in 2017 by France’s civil-liberties ombudsman reveled that young black being subject more than 20 times of identity check compared to the entire population. In 2020, HRW and Amnesty International launched a “class action” against the government for not addressing the issue of ethnic profiling by police. Other cases have also reflected police misconduct, the lag in legal proceedings, whereas convictions has been exceptional.
The government responses
The investigation which initially did not accept the blame on the police, later the officer was charged and given custody before trial. This provoked further protests and by 29 June differing from earlier cases announced that the police officer would be detained under charges of “intentional homicide.” In response the police unions criticized the government for detention.
In case of the government, citing the reasons of “Public order disturbance,” asked 40,000 police to be deployed to counter the violence and according to France24 the units were “heavily equipped and have armoured vehicules.” The interior minister issued a statement supporting the police officer in controlling the unrest, while the mayor of Paris asked the people to remain calm to let “justice to do its necessary job.” According to the report from France24 till now 421 have been arrested belonging to14-18 ages. The government’s harsh response to the protests is nothing old. According to the previous report from Foreign Policy, in 2018 and 2019, it dealt with the “Yellow Jackets” protests, by equipping the security forces with weapons that would cause serious injuries. This has turning to become a provoking factor behind the protests on increasing the police brutality and the larger gap in government’s action towards policing.
Macron in crossfire
The timing of the police shooting, and the subsequent unrest is not favor of Macron. France is becoming a frequent place for protests from pension reforms, inflation to police brutality. For Macron, who has a highflyer agenda to make France a key regional player in terms of maritime governance, aviation, regional integration, and diplomacy, the internal problems continue to hitch his domestic governance and continuity.
References
Claire Paccalin “France sees third night of violence amid protests over fatal police shooting of teen,” France24, 29 June 2023
Catherine Porter, “In Nahel M., a Stranger Killed by Police, French Protesters See Friend and Kin,” The New York Times, 29 June 2023
Clea Caulcutt, “France deploys 40,000 police as Macron seeks to avoid 2005 riots rerun,” Politico, 29 June 2023
Pauline Bock, “Emmanuel Macron’s Year of Cracking Heads,” Foreign Policy, 29 November 2019
War in Ukraine: Day 491
By Rishika Yadav
War on the Ground
On 29 June, according to Hanna Malyar, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine the Defence Forces' offensive operation in Melitopol, Berdiansk, and Bakhmut directions is making progress. The troops are engaged in fierce battles, seizing Russian-held territory. Meanwhile, Russia's unsuccessful offensive continues in Lyman, Avdiivka, and Marinka directions. Ukrainian troops are successfully consolidating their positions in Rivnopil-Volodymyr, inflicting significant losses on Russia. Russia is mobilizing reserves, including a marine brigade that previously fled Kherson. Ukrainian forces have made advances of 1300 meters in Berdiansk, intercepted the operational initiative in Bakhmut, and made progress in Klishchiyivka and Kurdiumivka directions.
On 29 June, Ukrinform reported on a video posted by the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service. As shown in the video, Ukrainian border guard officers successfully targeted and destroyed a Russian infantry group and ammunition depot using mortar fire, in the Bakhmut direction.
On 29 June, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, expressed gratitude and highlighted the heroic efforts of Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline against Russian aggression. He emphasized that Russia's weakness is essential for Ukraine's and Europe's security, urging continued support and defence cooperation. Zelenskyy praised the EU's sanctions policy and called for strengthened measures to prevent Russia from evading sanctions.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 29 June, RT news reported on the comments on the Wagner Group by MP Andrey Kartapolov, head of the Russian Duma's Defence Committee. According to him, the Wagner Group, which launched an insurrection last week, was the only military formation that had declined to sign a contract with the Russian Defence Ministry. Kartapolov stated that the Defence Ministry has mandated all military groups to sign contracts, with Wagner being the exception. Consequently, Moscow's authorities informed Wagner that it would no longer receive financial or material resources, leading to its exclusion from the military campaign in Ukraine. Kartapolov attributed the group's actions to a combination of defunding threats, ambitious aspirations, and emotional agitation.
On 29 June, RT news reported on the comments made by Apty Alaudinov, commander of the Chechen special force 'Akhmat' of Russia on Russia 1 TV. He stated that Ukraine's recent offensive has failed to breach any of Moscow's defensive lines.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 29 June, Reuters reported on the recent satellite imagery from the European Space Agency's Sentinel 2 satellites captured on 27 June. They reveal the rapid construction of new facilities at a military base southeast of Minsk, Belarus, indicating the potential establishment of a base for Wagner, the Russian mercenary company involved in a failed mutiny. Reports suggest Wagner's leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, arrived in Belarus and intends to utilize a vacant military facility near Asipovichi, approximately 90 km (50 miles) from Minsk. Images show the emergence of long structures in the nearby village of Tsel, an area that appeared empty on 14 June. The construction's purpose remains unverified.
On 29 June, BBC news reported that following the mutiny that raised concerns of civil war, the Wagner Group continues to recruit fighters across Russia. Contacting numerous recruitment centers, using a Russian phone number and claiming to inquire on behalf of a brother, it was confirmed that recruitment operations are ongoing.
On 29 June, nato.int reported that at the invitation of Charles Michel, President of European Council, Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO Secretary General participated in the European Council meeting. During the meeting, the Secretary General commended the strong partnership between NATO and the EU, emphasizing its unprecedented level. This partnership plays a crucial role in supporting Ukraine and addressing other pressing challenges. The Secretary General welcomed the cooperation between NATO and the EU concerning critical infrastructure resilience, as well as the release of the assessment report by the NATO-EU Task Force. He expressed gratitude to the European Commission and the European External Action Service for their collaborative efforts in producing the report, which outlines practical measures to enhance cooperation.
On 29 June, Euronews reported that EU member states bordering Belarus called for increased solidarity from both the EU and NATO regarding the presence of the Wagner mercenary group and the potential risk of infiltration into their countries. Arturs KrišjÄnis Kariņš, the Prime Minister of Latvia, expressed concern over the trained fighters joining Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner leader, and emphasized the need for heightened border awareness and control. Poland has urged the EU to fund enhanced border security. Gitanas NausÄ—da, President of Lithuania, expressed extreme concern, referring to the fighters as potential threats. These developments highlight the importance of NATO strengthening its eastern flank.
The Global Fallouts
Implications of the War
On 29 June, the IMF completed the first review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Ukraine, allowing the country to access approximately USD 890 million for budget support. The EFF, approved in March 2023, is part of a USD 115 billion support package for Ukraine. The IMF reported that despite challenging conditions, Ukraine has made significant progress in meeting its commitments under the EFF. Continued commitment to reforms and ownership of the program is crucial for macroeconomic stability, institutional improvements, and support for reconstruction efforts, as well as Ukraine's path to EU accession. The Ukrainian economy has shown resilience, and efforts to maintain stability and secure external financing need to continue.
On 29 June, Anadolu Ajansi reported that Gustavo Petro, the President of Colombia, announced that his government would lodge a diplomatic protest with Russia following a missile attack in Kramatorsk, Ukraine, that injured three Colombian citizens and claimed the lives of 11 people. The victims, including Sergio Jaramillo, a former chief peace negotiator, Hector Abad Faciolince, a writer and Catalina Gómez Ángel, a journalist, were in Ukraine for a book fair. Petro condemned Russia's actions and called for the safe return of the Colombians.
References
“Ukrainian Defense Forces intercept operational initiative in Bakhmut direction - Malyar,” Ukrinform, 29 June 2023
“Border guards neutralize enemy infantry group, ammo depot near Bakhmut,” Ukrinform, 29 June 2023
“This is a historic time to start negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the European Union - speech by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the meeting of the European Council,” president.gov.ua, 29 June 2023
“Estonia draws up plan to transfer frozen Russian money – media,” RT news, 29 June 2023
“Russian MP gives reason for Wagner mutiny,” RT news, 29 June 2023
“Ukrainians can’t break through our defenses – Chechen commander,” RT news, 29 June 2023
“ASI Forum "Strong Ideas for the New Time",” kremlin.ru, 29 June 2023
“Satellite images appear to show build-up at Wagner base in Belarus,” Reuters, 29 June 2023
Sarah Rainsford, “Wagner still recruiting despite mutiny, BBC finds,” BBC news, 29 June 2023
“Secretary General at European Council: NATO-EU cooperation is key to supporting Ukraine, responding to key security challenges,” nato.int, 29 June 2023
Alice Tidey, “Latvia, Lithuania & Poland concerned about risk of Wagner 'serial killers' in neighbouring Belarus,” Euronews, 29 June 2023
“IMF Executive Board Completes the First Review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement for Ukraine,” imf.org, 29 June 2023
Laura Gamba Fadul, “Colombian president announces diplomatic protest after Russian missile strike in Ukraine,” Anadolu Ajansi, 29 June 2023
In Brief
By Sneha Surendran and Prerana P
FRANCE
Around 40,000 police officers were deployed after the violent unrest spread the country
On 29 June, French president declared an emergency Cabinet meeting, after a 17-year-old was shot by police during a traffic check. Although, there emerged questions on whether the teenager had threatened the police officers, the President stated the incident as: “inexplicable” and “inexcusable.” Over 40,000 police officers were deployed across France to maintain stability and the officials were warned to avoid any provocative behaviour. Francois Molins, a former prosecutor of Northern Paris expressed his concern on whether there might be a recurrence of the 2005 incident, which forced the government to declare a state emergency. The incident was followed by immense criticism from the far-left opposition, while the country has continued to stay on a calm state due to greater job access to jobs and wider investments on poorer outskirts under Macron’s government. Further, President Macron stated his awareness on the speed of escalation of allegation on police brutality in France. (Clea Caulcutt, “France deploys 40,000 police as Macron seeks to avoid 2005 riots rerun,” Politico, 29 June 2023, Robin Richardot and Juliette Benezit, “Anger and tension as marchers grieve teenager killed by police,” Le Monde, 29 June 2023)
GREECE
Syriza party’s leader steps down, calls for party elections
On 29 June, Alexis Tsipras, leader of the Syriza party, announced that he was resigning from his post. On 25 June, his party had lost in Greece’s general elections, garnering just 18 per cent of the votes against the New Democracy party. Tsipras has been leading the left-wing Syriza party since 2012. He announced his decision through a televised address from Athens, stating: “The time has come to start a new cycle…I have therefore decided to propose the election of a new leadership by the members of the party, as stipulated in the party statutes, with immediate recourse.” He also informed that he will not stand as a candidate in the party elections. Alexis Tsipras was the Prime Minister of Greece from 2015 to 2019, heading the country at a time of financial crisis. (Philip Andrew Churm, “Greece's left-wing opposition leader Alexis Tsipras has stepped down following a crushing election defeat,” Euronews, 29 June 2023; “Greece: Syriza leader Tsipras resigns after major defeat,,” Deutsche Welle, 29 June 2023)
ICELAND
Undersea Infrastructure Security forum alerts Keflavik Airbase
On 29 June, Government of Iceland has issued a report on the Security Forum on Critical Undersea Infrastructure held at Keflavik Air Base, Iceland. It was hosted by the Defence Directorate of Iceland and British Embassy in Reykjavik, along with its deployment of Standing Joint Force Headquarters (SJFHQ). More than 70 representatives from all the JEP of participant and partnered nations discussed on facilitating a structure to combat the critical undersea infrastructure threats. The JEF Defence Ministry has decided to detect, deter and respond to the action which included ensuring best sharing best practices, cooperation, coordination, alignment with NATO’s continued work. The forum provided Iceland with opportunities to attract allies and partners and discuss on the grooming issue. (“Security Forum on Critical Undersea Infrastructure held in Iceland,” Government of Iceland, 29 June 2023)
KOSOVO
Prime Minister attempts to diffuse tensions along disturbed northen region
On 29 June, Albin Kurti, Kosovo’s Prime Minister, proposed to hold new mayoral elections in four Serb-majority municipalities if, the proposal received support from at least 20 per cent of the electorate in the region. The north Kosovo region is primarily dominated by ethnic Serbs. In April, the mayoral elections in these four municipalities had been boycotted by the ethnic Serbs. They also oppose the ethnic Albanians who won the seats in those elections. Furthermore, Kurti also offered to reduce the presence of the special police forces deployed in the region to guard the municipal buildings. The Prime Minister’s suggestions are an attempt to ease the simmering tensions with neighboring Serbia which began following violent clashes between ethnic Serbs and Kosovo’s police officers in May. Kurti’s offer comes after Serbia released three Kosovo police officers on 26 June. While Serbian authorities claimed that the three officers had crossed over to their side, Kosovo has maintained that the officers were kidnapped from and taken to a Serbian prison. (Florent Bajrami, Llazar Semini, “Kosovo’s prime minister offers to hold new elections in tense Serb-majority municipalities,” AP, 29 June 2023)
SWEDEN
Protesters march towards the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad
On 29 June, dozens of crowds gathered around the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad, after Salwan Momika, an Iraqi origin residing in Sweden set fire to an Islamic holy book copy in Stockholm’s central mosque a day before. The gathered crowd left the building, after the government deployed a local security force to maintain the unrest. The mob warned that, any intentional damage to the holy book, would be considered extremely offensive. The incident has sparked unrest in various Muslim-majority countries, including Turkey, who further questioned the necessity to provide Sweden with its NATO membership. President Erdogan stated: “We will eventually teach the arrogant Westerners that insulting Muslims is not freedom of thought.” The Middle east nations including Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Egypt has criticised on the action. Iraqi criticised the incident to be “provocative”, while around 1.8 million Hajj worshippers stated that the incident cannot be justified. The Sweden court has allowed the protesters action under “freedom of expression ground.” (Alys Davies, “Sweden Quran burning: Protesters storm embassy in Baghdad,” BBC, 29 June 2023)
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe’s summer session addresses various agenda
On 19 June, the PACE held a summer session which included the delegation of eight Swedish MPs. The assembly discussed on the political developments in Poland, with two essential rapporteurs. The joint urgent debate discussed on Russia’s aggression over Ukraine and about the participation of Belarusian athletes in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. The challenges of Belarusian exile were debated along with Migration. The issue of migration reported on the major issues such as integration, social inclusion, internally displaced person’s protection through the lens of sports, health and social of undocumented workers. The assembly discussed on the budgets of the Council of Europe, and the expenditure scale of Parliamentary Assembly. Other subjects of discussion include strengthening multilateralism, health care, digital technologies. Further, the President of Slovenia on Wednesday addressed on the questions raised by the members of Assembly. (“Political developments in Poland debated at the summer session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE),” Sveriges Riksdag, 28 June 2023)
THE UK
Court ruling upsets government’s deportation plan
On 29 June, a court in London ruled that the government’s proposal to deport migrants to Rwanda was unlawful, raising concerns about “deficiencies” in Rwanda’s asylum system. Ian Burnett, one of the three judges, stated: “The deficiencies in the asylum system in Rwanda are such that there are substantial grounds for believing that there is a real risk that persons sent to Rwanda will be returned to their home countries where they face persecution and other inhumane treatment.” This ruling was the result of appeals by human rights organizations and asylum seekers against a December 2022 ruling of the UK High Court. In December 2022, the High Court favoured the government’s Rwanda plan, terming it “lawful.” The latest ruling was welcomed by campaign groups while the government announced its decision to appeal against the verdict in the Supreme Court. The deportation of asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda is one of the top priorities of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. While no deportations have happened yet, the UK has paid GBP 140 million to Rwanda as part of the agreement. (“UK court rules Rwanda migrant deportations are unlawful,” Deutsche Welle, 29 June 2023; Ben Quinn, Diane Taylor, Pippa Crerar, “Battle over Rwanda deportations to continue as No 10 gears up for appeal,” The Guardian, 29 June 2023)
ECONOMY
Europe sees varying inflation trend
On 29 June, AP News reported on official data that inflation within Europe was following different trends. Destatis, a German state statistics office, informed that compared to the previous year, consumer prices in June increased to 6.8 per cent, from 6.3 per cent in May. Meanwhile, Spain’s inflation, compared to last year, showed consumer prices at 1.6 percent in June, which is a drop from the 2.9 percent reported in May. (“Inflation is moving in different directions in Europe. It hit 6.8% in Germany and 1.6% in Spain,” AP News, 29 June 2023)
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Google and Meta blocks Canadian news sector after the demand of payment
On 29 June, Google has blocked Canadian users from availing local news on its platform. The action took place after Ottawa, passed a bill, which required tech companies to pay for the contents. The Online News Act was passed, after the government demanded that the digital giants must maintain a fair deal with the Canadian news sectors, as the sector has been helping in sharing the content through their platforms. Google remarked the law as “unworkable,” stated that the Canadians will struggle to obtain online news. Meta has also blocked the Canadian news on Facebook and Instagram, after the Canadian news sector accused the online dominant advertisers of using their content for free. Although, the country will still be able to access news directly linking the web address to Canadian sites. The Australia’s News code remains the first to demand payment from Google and Met, meanwhile Canadian parliamentary budget stated that the Online News Act would fetch about CAD 330 million per year. (“Google to block local news in Canada in response to media law,” Le Monde, 30 June 2023)
MIGRATION
EU summit discusses on different agendas, as migration issue hike in Europe
On 29 June, Politico reported on the ongoing EU’s negotiations with other countries, on the grounds of providing billions to fund the deals on migrations. Germany has emphasised on to “revitalise” EU-Turkey ties. EU has offered around EUR 10.5 billion to Turkey, along with Libya and Tunisia to house thousands of Syrian refugees. The migration negotiation builds up with increasing discussion on Russia, China and its economic security. Hungary and Poland have expressed their disagreement to EU’s migration deal while Denmark has demanded on making it stricter. The final draft conclusions of the summit had fresh migration funds of around EUR 10.5 billion and EUR 2 billion to manage EU migrations. The Germany has reported that EU leaders are forming wider step to endorse full budget package. Although Turkey-EU relations has resumed after the victory of Erdogan, the country failed to progress on modernizing. (Hans Von Der Burchard, “Migration money feud infiltrates EU summit,” Politico, 29 June 2023)
REGIONAL
NATO diplomats want Jens Stoltenberg to continue as Secretary General
On 29 June, NATO diplomats said that the military alliance’s member states have arrived at a consensus to extend the tenure of Jens Stoltenberg as NATO chief for another year. An official announcement is expected to be made next week. Meanwhile, a senior diplomat stated: “He is the best person to be secretary general, not least given the difficult security environment we are in. Hopefully, we will have some good news next week,” when asked about the extension of Stoltenberg’s term. Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian Prime Minister, has been the secretary general of NATO since 2014. His term was renewed earlier after Ukraine’s invasion in February 2022. The collective decision to keep him continuing as the Secretary General is chalked to his experienced, given the troubled atmosphere in Europe. The decision of his tenure extension comes ahead of the next NATO summit in Vilnius from 11-12 July. (“NATO agrees to extend Stoltenberg mandate, diplomats say,” Le Monde, 29 June 2023; Lili Bayer, Alexander Ward, “Stoltenberg to stay on as NATO chief another year,” Politico, 29 June 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
EU leaders aim to address issue of migrations
On 29 June, The Guardian reported that the EU is considering partnering with Egypt to stop irregular migrations and disrupt people-smuggling rings. On 17-19 June, Josep Borrell, EU’s high representative on foreign affairs, had visited Egypt where he pledged EURO 20 million to help manage Sudanese refugees. This move is expected to prove itself as a good base for the anticipated partnership. Apart from Egypt, EU also plans to engage with other African nations to address the problems associated with migrations. This includes the EURO 1 billion deal with Tunisia, which is under negotiations at the European Council summit in Brussels. Sources reported that there were positive responses to the Tunisian deal with Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s Prime Minister, remarking: “Tunisia was an example of what we can do with other countries.” (Lisa O'Carroll, “EU looks to Egypt partnership to tackle people-smuggling networks,” The Guardian, 29 June 2023)